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India is one of the 17 Megabiodiverse countries in the world and accounts for 7-8 % of the recorded species. The State of Assam is a constituent unit of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity Region; one of the two biodiversity “Hot Spots” in the country .The climatic condition and wide variety in physical features witnessed in Assam have resulted in a diversity of ecological habitats such as forests, grasslands ,wetlands, which harbour and sustain wide ranging floral and faunal species placing
The word “Assam” has its origin in the Sanskrit Word “Asom” meaning unparalleled or peerless. Indeed Assam is unparalleled as nature has been uniquely generous in endowing the State with such bounties that Assam is part of one of the 25 mega diverse region on planet earth.
However, today, Assam is not only more fancied, but also known for its ecological diversity, for the range of floral and faunal species and for the conservation successes achieved. Kaziranga, Manas, Pobitora, Orang, Dibru-Saikhowa are names recognized world over and bring laurels to the people of this magnificent State.
The forest in Assam can be described into following types/ sub types.
– Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.
– Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests.
– Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests.
– Sub-tropical Broadleaf Hill Forests.
– Sub-tropical Pine Forests.
– Littoral and Swamp Forests.
– Grassland and Savannahs.
Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in the districts of Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and in a narrow stretch in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts along foot hills. These forests also occur in the southern part of the State at lower elevations in Borail Range, and in Loharbund, Sonai, Longai and Dholia Reserve Forests in Cachar and Karimganj Districts.
Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), the tallest tree of Assam and also the “State Tree” is the most predominant constituent of these forests. The associated species are Borpat, Jutuli ,Sam, Dewa sam, Nahar , Teeta chap, Bhelu, Mekai etc.
Forests in Southern Assam have, however, Dipterocarpus terbinatus(Garjan) in association with Mesua ferrea ( Nahar), Mesua floribunda ( Bolong)), Michelia glabra (Champ), Palaquium polyanthum (Kathalua) etc
One witness luxuriant Growth of epiphytes and trees with fissured bark support magnificent ornamental orchids of Assam. Lianas, vines and climbers are plentiful twining round trees in middle canopy. Almost all the tree ferns of Assam growing majestically in these forests present a treat to the eyes. The undergrowth is dense with both low shrubs and herbs occupying the space. Canes, palms and bamboos grow along edges of forests.
Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests occur mostly in Hallangapar, Abhoypur, Dilli, Dhansiri, Kholahat, Mayong, Garbhanga, Rani, Mahamaya, Guma, Haltugaon, Kachugaon, Gali, Pobha, Ranga, Kakoi, Nauduar, Batasipur, Dohalia, Singla, Longai, Bhuban Pahar, Sonai, Barak and Inner Line Reserve Forests along Northern and Southern parts of the State.
These forests have mostly medium size trees with few large trees. Shrubs, lianas, climbers, orchids and ferns grow copiously. At the fringe bamboos and canes occupy the space.
Species association and frequency of their occurrence vary from forest to forest, but the ones commonly found are Actinodaphne obovata (Petarichawa), Aesculus species (Ramanbih), Artocarpus chama(Sam), Albizia species(Siris, Sau, Koroi), Anthocephalus chinensis (Kadam), Duabanga grandiflora (Khakan), Castonopsis species (Hingori, Dhobahingori, Kanchan),Dillenia Indica (Ou-tenga), Bauhinia purpurea ( Kanchan), Lagerstroemia species( Jarul, Ajar,Sidha), Magnolia species(Phulsopa, Gahorisopa, Pansopa, Kharikasopa, Kathalsopa, Duleesopa),Mallotus species( Sinduri, Joral, Dudhloti, Buritokan), Michelia champaca(Teeta campa), Syzygium species( Paharijam, Mokrajam, Berjamu, Kolajamu, Bogijamu, golapjamu). Schima wallichii (Bolem,Ghugra), Terminalia species, ( Hilikha, Bohera, Bhomora), Trewia nudiflora( Bhelkor), Hatipolia, Holok etc.
Moist Deciduous Forests can further be described as Sal Forests and Mixed Deciduous Forests. Sal Forests occupy considerable forest area in the Central and Lower parts of the State in the Districts of Nagaon, Morigaon, Kamrup, parts of Nalbari and Barpeta, Darrang, Dhubri, Kokrajhar and Goalpara.
In these forests, Sal grows in association with Lagerstroemia species( Jarul, Ajar), Schima Wallichii( Ghugra), Stereospermum personatum (Paruli), Adina cordifolia (Haldu), Artocarpus species ( Sam), Ficus species( Bor, Dimoru, Dhupbor, Bot, Athabor, tengabor, Lotadioru, Khongaldimoru), Bischofia javanica (Uriam), Gmelina arborea (Gomari), Michelia champaca(Teeta champa), Terminalia species (Hilikha, Bhomora, Bohera). Toona ciliate (Poma) etc.
Moist Deciduous Mixed Forests occur at the foot of hills in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Karbi-Angong and N. C. Hills districts. Trees are mostly deciduous with Sprinkling of few evergreen and semi-evergreen species. Important plant species growing in these forests include Adina cordifolia9 Haldu), Albizia species(Siris, Kolasiris, Koroi, Sau) Alstonia scholaris(Satiana), Artocarpus chama (Sam), Careya arborea( Kumbhi), Dalbergia species(Sissoo, Medelua), Ficus species (Bot, Bor, Dimoru), Lagerstroemia species (Jarul, Ajar), Mallotu species (Senduri, Joral, Dudhloti) etc.
These forest harbour rich diversity of shrubby and herbaceous ground vegetation. Some of the Reserve Forests also have teak plantations.
Bordering Moist Deciduous Forests in rain shadow areas are found forests which has been referred to as “Dry Forests” by Kanjilal. This type of forests are encountered in the Lumding, Langting, Mailongdisa Reserve Forests. A typical example is the Umananda Island in the middle of Brahmaputra North of Guwahati. Important species include, Aegle marmelos(Bel), Albizia species(Siris), Cassia fistula(Sonaru), Bombax (Simul), Alstonia scholaris(Satiana), Ficus species(Bor), Litsea species( Loban, Bagnola, Mezankori, Honwalu,Digloti) Melia azedarach( Neem), Moringa oleifera(Sajana), Orosylum indicum(Bhatgila), Mallotus species(Senduri), Terminalia species(Hilikha,Bhomora) etc.
Sub-tropical Broad Leaf Hills forests and Sub-tropical Pine forests occur in the districts of Karbi-Anglong and N. C. Hills. Species commonly occurring are Alseodaphne petiolaris(Ban-hanwalu), Antidesma bunius, Betula alnoides, Cleidon speciflorum etc. Higher up pure stands of Pinus kesiya(Khasi-pine) are found particularly in the Hamren sub-division in Karbi-Anglong district.
Grass land and Savannahs are grass dominated biomes and form the major part of vegetation in Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora, Orang, Sonai-Rupai, Laokhowa, Barnadi, Burachapori, Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuaries and some part in Manas National Park. Grasslands support important wildlife Population in Assam. Important Grasses are Apluda mutica, Phragmatis karka, Sclerostachya fusca, Saccharum species etc. These species grow gregariously at the onset of monsoon and grow even upto 6 meters tall.
Littoral and Swamp forests have almost lost their identity because of biotic pressure on land. Presently sedges and grasses form the largest component of vegetation. Important species include Ageratum conyzoides, Alocasia species, Alpinia species., Amaranthus species., Bacopa species., Blumea species., Bombax species., Crotolaria species. etc.,
Assam is a state in north-eastern India. It is the largest state in the region by area and the third most populous. The state is home to a diverse range of vegetation and forests, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical dry deciduous forests, shola forests, grasslands, and mangrove forests.
The forests of Assam are home to a wide variety of Plants and animals. Some of the important tree species found in the state include sal, teak, bamboo, and mahogany. The forests are also home to a variety of shrubs, herbs, lichens, and Fungi. The animal life of Assam is also very diverse. The state is home to a number of mammals, including elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, leopards, and deer. There are also a number of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes found in the forests of Assam.
The forests of Assam play an important role in the state’s economy. They provide a source of timber, fuelwood, and other forest products. The forests also play an important role in the state’s water Resources and Climate. The forests help to regulate the flow of rivers and streams, and they also help to mitigate the effects of Climate Change.
However, the forests of Assam are facing a number of threats. These threats include deforestation, forest fires, and poaching. Deforestation is the main threat to the forests of Assam. The state has lost a significant amount of forest cover in recent years due to human activities, such as agriculture, mining, and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE-development/”>Infrastructure Development. Forest fires are another major threat to the forests of Assam. Forest fires are often caused by human activities, such as carelessness and arson. Poaching is also a major threat to the wildlife of Assam. Poachers kill animals for their meat, fur, and other body parts.
The government of Assam has taken a number of measures to conserve the forests of the state. These measures include the establishment of Protected Areas, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The government has also implemented a number of forest management programs. These programs aim to protect the forests from deforestation, forest fires, and poaching.
The forests of Assam are an important part of the state’s natural heritage. They play an important role in the state’s economy, Water Resources, and climate. The forests are also home to a diverse range of plants and animals. However, the forests are facing a number of threats, such as deforestation, forest fires, and poaching. The government of Assam has taken a number of measures to conserve the forests of the state. However, more needs to be done to protect these important Ecosystems.
In addition to the government’s efforts, there are a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to conserve the forests of Assam. These NGOs are working to raise awareness about the importance of the forests, and they are also working to protect the forests from illegal activities.
The forests of Assam are a precious resource. They need to be protected for the sake of the state’s economy, water resources, climate, and biodiversity. The government and NGOs are working to conserve the forests, but more needs to be done. Everyone can play a role in protecting the forests of Assam.
What is the difference between a forest and a jungle?
A forest is a large area of land covered with trees and other plants. A jungle is a dense tropical forest with tall trees and thick undergrowth.
What are the different types of forests?
There are many different types of forests, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, boreal forests, and coniferous forests.
What are the benefits of forests?
Forests provide many benefits, including clean air, water, and Soil; habitat for wildlife; and recreation opportunities.
What are the threats to forests?
Forests are threatened by deforestation, forest fires, and climate change.
What can we do to protect forests?
We can protect forests by planting trees, reducing our consumption of paper and wood products, and supporting organizations that work to protect forests.
What is the importance of forests to the Environment?
Forests are important to the environment because they provide many benefits, including clean air, water, and soil; habitat for wildlife; and recreation opportunities. Forests also play an important role in the climate system by absorbing carbon dioxide from the Atmosphere.
What is the importance of forests to the economy?
Forests are important to the economy because they provide jobs in the Forestry and wood products industries. Forests also provide a Source Of Income for many people who live in rural areas.
What is the importance of forests to culture?
Forests are important to culture because they are often seen as sacred places or places of beauty. Forests are also important to many cultures because they provide a source of food, medicine, and other resources.
What is the future of forests?
The future of forests is uncertain. Forests are threatened by deforestation, forest fires, and climate change. However, there are many people who are working to protect forests. If we work together, we can ensure that forests will be around for future generations to enjoy.
Sure, here are some MCQs about Assam without mentioning the topic Assam-Vegetation and Forest:
Assam is a state in the _____ region of India.
(A) North
(B) East
(C) West
(D) SouthThe capital of Assam is _____.
(A) Guwahati
(B) Imphal
(C) Shillong
(D) KohimaThe Official Language of Assam is _____.
(A) Assamese
(B) Bengali
(C) Hindi
(D) EnglishThe population of Assam is approximately _____.
(A) 30 million
(B) 40 million
(C) 50 million
(D) 60 millionThe main religion of Assam is _____.
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Buddhism-2/”>BuddhismThe main crops grown in Assam are _____.
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Jute
(D) WheatThe main tourist attractions in Assam are _____.
(A) Kaziranga National Park
(B) Manas National Park
(C) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
(D) All of the aboveThe famous Assamese writer is _____.
(A) Jyotiprasad Agarwala
(B) Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya
(C) Lakshminath Bezbaruah
(D) All of the aboveThe famous Assamese singer is _____.
(A) Bhupen Hazarika
(B) Zubeen Garg
(C) Papon
(D) All of the aboveThe famous Assamese footballer is _____.
(A) Bhaichung Bhutia
(B) Sunil Chhetri
(C) Jeje Lalpekhlua
(D) All of the above
I hope these MCQs were helpful!